300,000 tourists flock to terror-hit Swat valley

Islamabad, Sep 11 (IANS) A staggering 300,000 tourists from across the country have visited the picturesque yet terror-ravaged Swat valley in northwest Pakistan since the beginning of Eid, a media report said Tuesday.

Officials and residents said that during this period not a single act of violence took place in the valley, known for its archaeological sites of Gandhara civilisation and scenic hamlets, Dawn reported.

It was in 2008 that the Taliban gained control in the area and parts of Kohistan, Dir and Malakand which were main tourist spots. The areas had then presented a deserted look.

The daily, however, said that some hotel owners, bakers, and petrol pump owners have begun to fleece tourists on the pretext of artificial shortage of various items.

During the rush, Rs.2,000 to Rs.8,000 was being charged for a single room for one night’s stay in hotels while the price of petrol zoomed to Rs.550 per litre.